Liverpool gaffer Arne Slot takes a trip down the M62 having started the season claiming two back-to-back 2-0 wins, ultimately starting life in charge of the Merseyside outfit on an all-time high but the first big challenge of the season could pose a threat that the Reds haven’t faced as of yet.
Erik ten Hag, the Manchester United manager, has got the better out of this rivalry since arriving on the red side of Manchester. Still, everyone knows that when Liverpool is on their A-Game, United tend to fall flat on their face especially when you take into account the 7-0, 5-0 and 4-0 wins against Sunday’s opponents in recent times.
Manchester United are still hurting from their second loss in just three competitive matches this season. They also lost to Manchester City in the Community Shield via penalty shootout, and they haven't shown any signs of a significant comeback since t en Ha g was spared the chop.
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Teams News
- Manchester United
Injury was added to insult last week against the Seagulls, as Mason Mount was forced of at half time after picking up a thigh injury, meaning he is due to spend some time on the sidelines.
Mount joins a heavily occupied treatment room holding the likes of new summer signing Lenny Yoro (foot), Rasmus Hojlund (hamstring), long term absentee Tyrell Malacia (knee), Luke Shaw (calf), Victor Lindelof (toe).
With injuries staining the Red Devil’s camp this could give newboy Joshua Zirkzee his first start at the Theatre of Dreams having joined from Bologna in the recent transfer window.
On the topic on transfers, Uruguayan international Manuel Ugarte officially became a Red Devil on the last day of the transfer window, but as he wasn’t officially registered by the 12pm deadline, he will be unable to make his debut for the club this Sunday.
Onto new signings who are eligible to participate this weekend, Liverpool have completed the signing of ex-Juventus winger Federico Chiesa for just £10 million.
However, with that being said, due to his well-documented fitness issues, Slot has made it clear that Chiesa is unlikely to make his debut at Old Trafford unless the Reds are hit with any injuries in the build-up.
As the time of writing, the Reds have no other injuries worries bar Curtis Jones, who is said to have picked up a groin injury meaning he didn’t get to train with the rest of the team meanwhile skipper Virgil Van Dijk is poised to feature in his 200th league game for Liverpool this weekend.
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Likely Lineups
- Manchester United
Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Mainoo, Casemiro; Diallo, Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee
- Liverpool
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota
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Key Players
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Manchester United
Every football fan has seen the brilliance that Mainoo brings to any team he has featured in. Last season he took that Manchester United midfield by the scruff of its neck whilst offering a different dynamic of calmness to the all-round erratic United eleven.
For England, once called upon by Gareth Southgate, Mainoo relished on the opportunity to show what he is really about, impressing not only the people associated with the Three Lions but also rival fans alike. As everyone knows England got to the final and there is a chance that may not have been the case if Southgate didn’t opt for the young Mainoo in the heart of the midfield.
It was previously mentioned that his calmness in possession is a sight to behold but he also has an eye for goal especially when you take into account he scored against Sunday’s opponents in a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last year, as well as scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final against local rivals Manchester City in a 2-1 win at the Wembley Stadium.
With that being said, he is the man for the big occasion and although goal-scoring isn’t necessarily his forte, his ball-carrying ability and ability to break up play could be one of ten Hag’s best weapons in his arsenal if he hopes to cause the Reds some problem on Sunday.
- Liverpool
The majority of the people think this pick speaks for itself and to be honest that is certainly the case.
Deadly, classy, strong, quick, and creative are some superlatives to describe the Egyptian King but even then that’s not enough.
Having scored 14 goals against the Red Devils it is safe to say that United fans are sick of the sight of him. On the topic of scoring goals, Salah has started the season with two in two, a streak he will be hoping to keep going especially against Manchester United.
But having said that, goalscoring isn’t the only aspect of his game which stands out. His pace and power at two components that tend to cause players and rival fans alike problems from the off. People say his ability to pick out the perfect pass goes under the radar. Since joining the Reds, Salah has picked up 90 assists in 351 appearances in all competitions.
Although the Egyptian gets older year by year, his contribution does not look like it is going to slow anytime soon. With Slot heading to OT for the first time in charge of the Reds, he will look to Salah to deliver.
With Slot coming to Old Trafford for the first time, he will look to Salah to deliver.
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Match Details
- Where is the game being played?
The fixture is set to take place at Old Trafford the home of Manchester United.
- What time is kick-off?
The game is set to kick off at 16:00 BST on Sunday 1st September.
- How can I watch it?
The game will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event or can be streamed via the Sky Go app on any device.
